Scholarships are awarded on a merit system based on test scores, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, physical fitness, leadership abilities, and personal interviews. Scholarship recipients are enrolled as members of the Army ROTC battalion at the colleges or universities they attend.

Hanson plans to attend, the University of Kansas Lawrence Kan.. The scholarship pays for full tuition and academic fees, includes an annual book allowance, and pays a monthly stipend for up to 10 months of each school year it is in effect.

Upon graduation from the college and completion of the ROTC program, the cadet receives a bachelor's degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. All scholarship recipients incur a military service obligation of eight years, which may be fulfilled by either serving on active duty or in the Reserve Components of the Army.

The ROTC curriculum provides students with tools, training and experiences to help cadets succeed as effective leaders in any competitive environment.

Hanson is the daughter of Bryon and Christina Hanson of Atchison, Kan.